I know Hagan is trending that direction but not sure about Taylor. Taylor would have to develop another pitch perhaps? I feel like we are the only mlb team that doesn't have a fire balling starting pitcher.

OF course we need a real closer from somewhere.

We need a ton of starting innings next year, and I am not sure where we are going to get them from. Supposedly the move to the pen this year for Smith was temporary, same with McDougal. I expect to see both of them at least start the spring as starters. My guess is that after two season as being a vital part of the bullpen, Grant Taylor is there forever.

Hagan should start next year but for the rest of this year I would consider giving him a shot to close. He is unhittable and has had good control since coming back. Taylor has had control issues, but I would give him a shot to start next year as well. Bullpen arms can be found. Look at CLE turning a failed stater in Gaddis into an elite reliever.

1 minute ago, HoosierSox said:

Hagan should start next year but for the rest of this year I would consider giving him a shot to close. He is unhittable and has had good control since coming back. Taylor has had control issues, but I would give him a shot to start next year as well. Bullpen arms can be found. Look at CLE turning a failed stater in Gaddis into an elite reliever.

Smith should get a shot, but there’s nothing about Taylor that makes me think he can handle being a starter.

17 minutes ago, fathom said:

Smith should get a shot, but there’s nothing about Taylor that makes me think he can handle being a starter.

I agree but I like the idea of having at leat one starter with prime velocity.

One thing the Sox should rethink is the idea that Taylor is their no. 1 prime reliever/ closer.

If my memory is correct, last night was his 4th appearance in a row where he’s given up, at least, one run, three home runs and then last night.

1 hour ago, fathom said:

Smith should get a shot, but there’s nothing about Taylor that makes me think he can handle being a starter.

Agreed. While I have no hope that he keeps it up, Hagen’s shockingly low BB total thus far has earned him a chance at starting. I doubt it, but perhaps he has turned a corner?

Edited Wednesday at 03:59 PM2 days by WhiteSox2023

Whenever Vasil gets back he might be the guy to look as a closer. He was fantastic last year as a multi inning guy.

5 minutes ago, HoosierSox said:

Whenever Vasil gets back he might be the guy to look as a closer. He was fantastic last year as a multi inning guy.

But he has pretty pedestrian stuff.

Better than Adams/Thorpe but not a classic repertoire scouts love.

Seems highly unlikely Taylor suddenly is moved out of the pen.

Next season, besides Vasil the Sox will have fully healed pitchers to choose from. I really hope they sign Nuke.

Schultz should also be over his knee injury 100%

Edited Wednesday at 11:46 PM1 day by Falstaff

I doubt it. Taylor should have been a starter from the outset (beyond a couple of "get your feet wet" months); that he wasn't said there was an issue.
Smith has lost his velocity; he's deceptive, but does deception carry for 6-7 innings? He practically falls off the mound after each pitch; but he did that in college and that didn't seem to dissuade anyone, so perhaps it doesn't matter. It's like 75% of the pitching program is funny delivery pitchers. Hopefully that changes.
Anyway, more optimistic on Sandlin, Cannon and perhaps Thorpe than these 2.

3 minutes ago, GreenSox said:

I doubt it. Taylor should have been a starter from the outset (beyond a couple of "get your feet wet" months); that he wasn't said there was an issue.
Smith has lost his velocity; he's deceptive, but does deception carry for 6-7 innings? He practically falls off the mound after each pitch; but he did that in college and that didn't seem to dissuade anyone, so perhaps it doesn't matter. It's like 75% of the pitching program is funny delivery pitchers. Hopefully that changes.
Anyway, more optimistic on Sandlin, Cannon and perhaps Thorpe than these 2.

Cannon is in Korey Lee territory…

Smith seems to be bad after going a couple innings and wasn’t good as a starter this season in AAA. Feel like the bullpen is his future and nothing wrong with that.

10 hours ago, harkness99 said:

I know Hagan is trending that direction but not sure about Taylor. Taylor would have to develop another pitch perhaps? I feel like we are the only mlb team that doesn't have a fire balling starting pitcher.

OF course we need a real closer from somewhere.

I feel like this organization will never go the traditional closer route again. Theyll just keep playing matchups and ignoring the lack of consistent success. They kinda tried it with Seranthony but ditched it when he faltered.

I see it the other way. Smith historically really falls off after the first couple innings (stuff and location). I believe Taylor has a better chance for success as a starter and could very well be one of the best in baseball. He's at 80 innings so you'd think 140ish would be reasonable next year

Was this the original topic? Missed it last night when I made my poll. I think both will be used as starters next season. Probably with openers most of the time. Grant as OP noted and I said in my post should be able to get stretched to about 140IP next year. He's going to finish around 100 IP this year.

On 9/17/2026 at 8:43 AM, Bob Sacamano said:

Smith seems to be bad after going a couple innings and wasn’t good as a starter this season in AAA. Feel like the bullpen is his future and nothing wrong with that.

For a 1-5 pick in THAT historic first round?

On 9/16/2026 at 7:50 PM, TheBooneLoganEra said:

I feel like this organization will never go the traditional closer route again. Theyll just keep playing matchups and ignoring the lack of consistent success. They kinda tried it with Seranthony but ditched it when he faltered.

The game has changed. In year 2000, 37 pitchers cleared 200 IP. In 2026, 39 have cleared 160. The model is guys who average 5 IP a game, maybe with an opener. It makes more sense for Taylor to come in and face 1-6 in the 7th and 8th inning than to save him for 7-9 in the 9th. Trevor Richards can pitch to the bottom of the order.

Hagen Smith has been pleasant surprise.